Oyo to partner private sector on tourism

The Oyo State government is planning to partner with private sector within and outside the state for the development of its culture and tourism sector

.Governor Abiola Ajimobi said this in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr Festus Adedayo in Ibadan.

Ajimobi said that the public-private partnership would promote, sustain and enhance the rich cultural heritage of the state as well as boost the revenue generation of the state government.

The governor said that as part of the efforts to promote cultural heritage, the state Ministry of Culture and Tourism had been mandated to start preparing for the hosting of a carnival tagged “OYO FEST ’’.

According to him, arrangements had been concluded with stakeholders for the packaging and hosting of the carnival which is expected to bring together people, irrespective of political or religious inclinations to boost the economic activities of the state.

“It is a period in which all businesses such as hotel, food and drink vendors, artisans are expected to experience massive turnaround, and a consequential increase in sales of products to generate more income to the state’s internally generated revenue,’’ he said.

Ajimobi said that the society had today been overwhelmed by foreign arts and cultures, most of which were inferior to the people’s values and heritage.

“The over-cultivation of these foreign cultures had over time led to the erosion or debasement of our cultural values and ideals.

“The way things stand, indigenous languages, etiquette, modes of worship, festivals, traditional modes of recreation, storytelling and all aspects of traditional living are in danger of extinction.

“It is, therefore, high time we repositioned what we have and use it to get what we want. The future of the past must be guaranteed.

“To do this, it is incumbent on us to hold on to and lift proudly that which is glorious about our past. We should return to the cultural values that have served us well for centuries,’’ he said.